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Lovely Charming Farm Cottage - click on us and see for yourself!

Lovely Charming Farm Cottage - click on us and see for yourself!

La Petite Maison is a beautiful rural two double bedroomed cottage, renovated to a high standard, suited to meet the needs of busy people looking for peace and quiet. Situated within a 200 year old farm, (now non working) and located in the region of the Pays de la Loire with its spectacular landscapes in the north and vast vineyards to the south. The house is 2kms from the historic town of Lassay-les-Chateaux which boasts one of the finest examples in France of a fortified medieval chateau. The town has many winding streets amongst which can be found examples of medieval living all situated just off the main market square where you will find shops, bars and restaurants. This is an ideal base for couples and friends seeking walking or cycling holidays in wonderful countryside or alternatively just a relaxing break from modern life!

La Petite Maison is a beautiful rural two double bedroomed cottage, renovated to a high standard, suited to meet the needs of busy people looking for peace and quiet. Situated within a 200 year old farm, (now non working) and located in the region of the Pays de la Loire with its spectacular landscapes in the north and vast vineyards to the south. The house is 2kms from the historic town of Lassay-les-Chateaux which boasts one of the finest examples in France of a fortified medieval chateau. The town has many winding streets amongst which can be found examples of medieval living all situated just off the main market square where you will find shops, bars and restaurants. This is an ideal base for couples and friends seeking walking or cycling holidays in wonderful countryside or alternatively just a relaxing break from modern life!

About Sandra Hughes

Paul and I both had busy lives, too much stress, unhealthy lifestyles and not enough 'together' time. We would longingly watch all those TV programs about changing your life, moving to the country, renovating a dilapidated barn into a designers dream, all whilst Kevin McCloud peered into the camera wringing his hands in despair - if only that could be us! In 2007, just as my son left home to go to University I found myself made redundant and always one to look on the bright side decided to have some 'me' time. That quickly turned into 'seize the day' mentality so Paul quit his job, we put our furniture in storage, packed our Clio with our essential worldly belongings and set off for France with a map and a gite booked for 7 weeks. Eight years later we are still here and loving the french life! Now we can speak reasonable French (starting from a baseline of no french at all), Paul is a member of our village council and we teach English to the children in the local school once a week although to be honest I think we learn more French from them than they learn English from us! We have a lovely laid back dog called Barnabé, an inherited cat called Kiki, four egg laying chickies and one big barn still to renovate........maybe one day!

Sandra Hughes purchased this cottage in 2008

Why Sandra Hughes chose Mayenne

We absolutely fell in love with the area - like a huge Devon but without the people!! Family, friends, eating and socialising are the main focus for everyone here so there's never any hurry and nothing is ever too busy. It's great to just relax, unwind and enjoy the everyday beauty of the surrounding landscape and the abundance of fantastic wildlife. Although we live on a hilltop with great views and are surrounded by fields all our local amenities are just down the road including our favourite lunchtime restaurant where a five course meal with wine costs just €11.50! In addition the coast is only an hour and a half away for those days when we want some sea air, a run on the beach with Barnabé and a plate of really fresh shellfish.

What makes this cottage unique

We wanted to create a holiday cottage that we would have wanted to stay in when we were on holiday ourselves - big soft pillows, white linen on the bed and a great big shower with lots of hot water, (not just a luke warm trickle whilst crouching in a small smelly cubicle). Most of all a place that could feel like a home not just a holiday let.

We also wanted to take the hassle out of trying to find out about local places to visit or restaurants that are good value and great food rather than discovering it all on the last day when your holiday is almost over. We have put together a comprehensive book with all the local historical attractions, restaurant recommendations (we have everything from Michelin star restaurants to the workers cafe's), information leaflets about outdoor activities such as horse riding, sailing, kayaking etc, along with books on the local area, cycling and walking routes plus trips further afield such as the Normandy Beaches or the Chateaux of the Loire. If you want a taste of real french laid back living Mayenne is the place to do it - we look forward to seeing you soon and welcoming you to stay at La Gautrie! Sandra et Paul

Guestbook comments from the owner

What a beautiful place you have created in this idyllic part of France. Thank you for making us feel so welcome and attending to our every need - we even had all our 'home' comforts and caught up on films! We hope to come back and see you again! Gillian, Duncan, Andy and Pam, Yorkshire.

Fantastic home from home in the country, the towels and bedding were top quality and we wanted for nothing. Area very quiet and the roads a delight, Bagnoles De L'Orne was amazing - we are sad to leave La Petite Maison, fantastic hosts and accommodation! Helen and Chris, Lancashire.

La Petite Maison was stunning! All the small details and decoration were perfect little touches. The house made a great base for day trips - thank you for your great hospitality. David and Steph, Liverpool.

Notes on accommodation: For couples wishing to use only one bedroom a special rate is offered - see pricing notes. Guests receive a complimentary 'starter pack' - milk, T bags, coffee, bread, butter, jam, a bottle of red wine, toilet roll, cleaning materials, washing up liquid, bin bags, foil, olive oil, mixed herbs and s&p. Guests may also take advantage of the DVD library which contains over 500 DVDs which can be borrowed on request. The house is wifi connected. There is a tailor made guidebook detailing the facilities at the cottage and in the local area plus an extensive number of books/pamphlets providing detailed maps and guides for cycling, walking and places of interest. Suitable for couples and friends. The cottage is non-smoking. Dogs are considered on request (1 small/medium sized dog - €25 per stay). The owners, Sandra & Paul are happy to assist with any requests/info. Outside: The cottage has it's own private landscaped fenced garden for the use of guests which can be accessed from the side door of La Petite Maison. The garden is set within 1.8 acres of land, which in itself is surrounded by fields. A natural spring rises at the back of the house which feeds a small stream and open natural pond. A BBQ and deck chairs are provided in addition to outdoor metal dining furniture and sun parasol. In the house there are also picnic rugs and cushions which can be used in the garden or taken out for the day. A picnic bag and freezer blocks are also provided. Utility Room: Self contained storage area provides mop and bucket, broom, vacuum cleaner, ironing board, iron with additional storage for suitcases, coats etc. A washing machine can be found in a seperate shared utility area which also has an additional freezer. Cleaning / Towels / Linen / Maid service: Towels and linen are provided. If the cottage is booked for a second or third week clean laundry is provided. You can also take advantage of our 'Get up and GO!!' service if you just want to leave on the last day without clearing up - ask us for details.

Wonderful in every way!

Five stars just aren't enough for this idyllic place! We have been several times and the only downside is that eventually, you have to leave. It has everything you need for a perfectly peaceful and relaxing holiday. Local shopping is excellent and Chantringne boulangerie definitely has the best bread in the area. Cycling around the lanes is fabulous, there are so many beautiful things to see along the way. The old railway lines and the towpath along the Mayenne make lovely leisurely rides or walks with plenty of wildlife to see along the way.

The house has everything you need and more! Lovely linen and towels and a shower to die for. The garden is a delight where you while away many hours with a book and a glass of wine (or two), with the added bonus that the "Chickie Girls" might come to visit as well.

This really is a wonderful place, we are relaxed the minute we get out of the car!

A real getaway from it all location

We had a wonderful holiday at La Petite Maison. The cottage was very clean and well equiped with everything you could possibly need. But it was Sandra's attention to detail that turned it from just being another holiday cottage into a real home from home.

Sandra and Paul are extremely helpful and friendly, not intrusive but just good to know they are around should you need help with anything. Not fogetting Benji one of the friendliest dogs we have ever met, (He didn't even bark when we arrived on our first night, but seemed more content just to wag his tail and be petted).

We would certainly hope to return one day and would recommend it highly.

Outstandingly beautiful - inside and out

This is the second wonderful holiday we have experienced at La Gautrie and we are planning to return again. Beautiful accommodation and surroundings; peaceful and picturesque- you can do and find as much or as little as you wish knowing that you return to a little piece of heaven. Sandra and Paul are wonderful hosts who we can't thank enough for a special holiday. We would have no hesitation in recommending a stay to anyone (but don't tell too many people!)

Beautiful rural tranquility

This was our third visit to this delightful place and it still excites us to arrive for our two week stay. Lovely comfortable accommodation in idyllic setting in the countryside. Delightful private garden for lounging in the sun with BBQ and sunbeds supplied.. All the equipment you need including a terrific log burner for the occasional cooler night and a huge dining table.

Large flat screen tv and wifi. Check out their wine which they supply cheaply, bargain.... also their resident truly free range chickens for tasty fresh eggs.

Wonderful ,restful sleep in comfy beds..Super shower too ! Many great locations to visit nearby such as Lassay with it`s wonderful Chateau, great to sit in the square with a beer or wine or St Suzanne for its medieval atmosphere and castle, or the massive roman amphitheatre and fortress at Jublain.

Paul and Sandra are lovely, warm and welcoming hosts along with their delightful and mega-cool doggie, Barney !.. If you are lucky, you may even see their resident barn owl or the swallows nesting in the cellar.

Can`t recommend too highly and we`ll certainly be back for more of the same....Enjoy !.... Thank you Sandra and Paul, a bientot, Rob, Jean and Max

Normandy Beaches, 2 hrs - must visit for those interested in WWII. Mont-Saint-Michel, 2 hrs - second most visited tourist attraction in France after the Eiffel Tower. Stunning walled port of St Malo and the holiday resort of Dinard, 2 hrs both with fabulous restaurants and shops. Concale, 2hrs - pretty fishing village, world renowned for its fresh oysters that can be eaten directly from the shell on the beach (or in a restaurant if preferred!).

Eurostar and SNCF to either Le Mans (1hr 40 mins from La Gautrie) or Laval (45mins from La Gautrie)

Distances:

2kms from La Petite Maison, Chantrigne is a thriving village with a local shop/post office, mobile local butcher, hairdressers, garage and one of the best local restaurants in the area for real traditional food. Both Lassay 2km and Ambrieres 6km have all of the above with the addition of local weekday markets,, bank with cash point, post office, tourist information office, restaurants and supermarkets. A medical centre, dental practice and vet is also located in Lassay.

Further Details:

Within a 30 minute drive. Lassay-les-Châteaux, 5 mins one of the Mayenne Departments six 'Petites Cités de Caractere' with its stunning medieval chateau, winding streets and pretty market square. Mellary Cider Museum, 10 mins, see (and more importantly taste) how traditional cider is made from the apple to the bottle. Ambrières-les-Vallées 10 mins, all year round activities include an equestrian center, sailing, walks/cycle routes of all abilities. Summer months – open air swimming pool, archery, mini golf, kayaking, canoeing, tennis. Mayenne, 20 mins superb Musee du Chateau . Fontaine-Daniel, 20 mins beautifully preserved village set around a lake with a traditional textile mill and fabric outlet. Bagnoles de l'Orne, 20-25 mins spa resort reminiscent of a Swiss mountain village, enjoy the high life at the casino and horse track or maybe just relax at the spa before dining out in the many restaurants in this little piece of café society set in the forest of the Parc de Normandie. Ferté Macé Forest, 25-30 mins lake and artificial beach - many cycling and walking routes plus watersports in the summer.

Within a 1 hour drive. Falaise, 40 mins magnificent castle home of William The Conquerer. Jublains, 40 mins Roman encampment discovered in and around the town , now preserved. Carrouges castle, 50 mins austere but captivating, the castle of is like a summary of history from the 11th to the 20th century. Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, 50 min described as 'one of the prettiest villages in France'. St Suzanne - Beautiful medieval hilltop village and fortress.

Within a 2 hours drive. Rennes, 1 hr 20. For those looking for sophistication, shopping and culture Rennes has it all. Bayeux, 1hr 50 visit this lovely town of canals and winding streets, visit the museum housing the famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting scenes from the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Anger, 1hr 55 for wine lovers visit the vineyards of the Loire and maybe even tour a chateau before purchasing a case of wine!

Additional pricing information

Refundable Damage Deposit

£133.49

Pet Fee

£22.25

Booking Notes:

Changeover Day:
Changeover days flexible. Check in time after 4pm, check out prior to 10am.

Dogs:
We are very happy to accept well behaved, social dogs at La Gautrie. One small to medium sized do will be considered on request, there is an additional charge of €25 per stay.
Please see the following Dog Guidance Note
Visiting dogs receive their very own ‘Pooch Pack’ to use whilst on holiday with us: dog blanket, food and water bowls and a treat on arrival.
In order to ensure that you and the other guests enjoy their stay we would ask that you follow the few simple steps below:
Please keep your dog off all furniture, bedspreads and bed linen for hygiene reasons.
We would kindly ask that you do not leave your dog in the house on its own for long periods as a strange place can be stressful for your dog who might cause damage (for which we might have to charge) or cause a disturbance to other guests.
It is your responsibility to clear away any mess made by your dog in the garden and grounds of La Gautrie.
Please keep your dog supervised at all times and be aware and respectful of other guests and their premises at La Gautrie.

Notes on prices:
For single bedroom occupancy a discount of €50 per week will apply to the prices shown in the pricing table. Logs for the woodburner are included in the rental. La Petite Maison can also be taken in conjunction with the converted 1 bedroom bread oven, Le Vieux Fournil Owners Direct Ref 8044324 for prices and availability.